Pre-operative status

Ashton was scheduled for surgery on November 1 and was admitted on Monday October 31, 1994. On admission to the HSC, Ashton was breathing rapidly, with his ribs clearly showing each time he took a breath. However, his chest was clear and in his testimony, Giddins said he believed that Ashton was fit for surgery. The report from the anaesthesia consultation indicated that Ashton was seen to be high risk, but that a decision had been made to proceed with the operation.